Nassau County seniors lose partial tax exemption in 2016

35,000 affected by expired tax deduction

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Earlier this month, 35,000 Nassau County seniors opened their property tax bill and were surprised with how much money they owed. Instead of seeing a tax deduction that had been around since 2002, these seniors were forced to pay the full price.

“To discover one day that our taxes are going up with no notice that this tax program was not renewed was appalling and speaks to the gross incompetence of Nassau County,” said Richard Watkins, a Merrick senior who co-founded the Open Nassau Facebook group.

The 35,000 seniors were signed up for a tax relief program which enabled those over the age of 65 who make less than $86,000 to get a deduction of 5.5 percent off their property tax bill. However, the legislation for the tax deduction expired on Dec. 31, 2016 and was not renewed, causing many seniors to call their Nassau County legislators.

“35,000 residents who received this reduction of 5.5 percent did not see it, so of course they’re all very up in arms because most seniors live on a fixed income and 35,000 is a lot of seniors,” said George Maragos, Nassau County Comptroller.

To remedy the problem, 12 members of the Republican-led Nassau County legislature introduced a Home Rule Message on Jan. 12 to authorize the reduction. They also called on the state to refund any excess taxes paid to the state after the deduction expired.

“We hope that our state legislators accept our Home Rule Message and submit the appropriate extension legislation at the state level immediately,” said Norma Gonsalves, presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, in a statement.

Seniors who are living on a fixed income also hope that this issue is remedied soon. “Any senior who’s living on a closed budget is profoundly affected, whether it’s one penny or $1,000,” said Watkins. “It feels like we’re being run out of town.”